Afghani Eating Cloth ‘Dasterkhan’

Not often found, this type of eating cloth, or ‘dastarkhan’, is from northwest Afghanistan. It would have been used on the floor as a cloth on which to put food and to sit around, probably for ceremonies. Painstakingly embroidered in wool on a plainweave natural wool background, it is quite elaborate in pattern and color. Unlike some we’ve seen this one is completely covered in embroidery, with no background showing except on the ends. It is over 30 years old and was brought by Hajj pilgrims to Saudi Arabia to help finance their journey. Condition is excellent. Documentation of these uncommon textiles can be found in R.D. Parson’s Oriental Rugs; Vol.3; The Carpets of Afghanistan; p.52-3..